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Historic Gaumont cinema converted into student accommodation

Bristol-based construction firm Beard has completed a stunning six-storey student accommodation block in the city, at the former Gaumont Cinema site. The historic building on Baldwin Street has been redeveloped to create 92 studio apartments, with a large retail space on the ground floor.

The building dates back to the late 19th century, first opening as a music hall in 1892. It later housed the Gaumont cinema, then became the Ritzy and most recently was the site of a Sports Café bar which closed in 2007.

The £8million redevelopment breathes new life into the building, while retaining the historic façade and original walls inside. The location and nature of the construction led to some challenges on the project, but Beard was able to bring its expertise and skill in working on complex projects to ensure timely and faultless delivery.

Despite those challenges and the restrictions due to coronavirus, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

In addition, the project was awarded two certificates of excellence from the Considerate Construction scheme, which visited the site twice and were hugely impressed by the work of the Beard team to ensure the construction did not disturb the neighbours.

Mike Hedges, director at Bristol Beard, said it was important to respect the history of the building in the design and build of the new development.

We wanted to ensure we honoured the history of the building with this redevelopment and preserving the façade was a priority, so the team did an incredible job. To be awarded two certificates of excellence is also testament to how hard the team worked to ensure everything was done to be as considerate as possible
Mike Hedges
Director, Beard
Given the cultural significance of the building in the city centre, we wanted to work with a building contractor who understood how to build brand new accommodation while preserving key historic features on site. Beard was able to deliver on that as well as complete ahead of schedule, while at the same time creating a fantastic living space for a new generation of students to enjoy in the city, when they arrive in September
Charles Frost
Development Manager at McLaren Property

The build is centred around a courtyard that is framed with curtain walling on the ground floor and windows to the upper floors providing natural light and ventilation to the building.

Beard was responsible for the full fit-out of the project and has been instrumental in the design process of the building’s finished aesthetic appearance, both internally and externally.

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